Additional improvements coming to War Memorial Field?

The next phase of renovations at the Ephrata War Memorial Field are being considered, but a final decision on whether to proceed has yet to be determined.
At the Monday, Nov. 17, meeting of the Ephrata Area School Board, Superintendent Dr. Brian Troop discussed the chance that if funding holds and bids come in on budget, the district may be able to consider an extensive renovation to the current bathroom facilities at the field.
“Final design drawings are being completed as part of the bid document preparation process,” explained Troop. “The board has considered several options over the past few months. We are now concentrating on a facility that includes updated and larger mens and womens restrooms, a family restroom, trainer’s room, and some essential equipment storage areas. Additionally, the plan includes the paving of areas currently covered in loose stone behind the baseball backstop and extending to the existing restrooms. Price estimates for this building and the surrounding site work range approximately $550,000-$950,000.
A final price tag for the project, however, will not be determined until after bids come back from interested contractors.
Troop further explained that this work was originally part of the turf project for which Mark Shrift from Hayes Large was hired.
“We held off on the bathroom construction project as a way to expedite the turf permit and approval process to have it ready for the 2014 football season,” he added.
If all goes well, there is a chance construction could start as soon as spring, 2015 in hopes construction would be complete by the end of summer, 2015.
In order for that happen, the school district will need to clear a number of hurdles &tstr; from finalizing bid documents, securing funding, the entire bidding process as well as securing various necessary municipal permits.
“The board is always conscious of costs, so if construction bids are higher than expected or if fundraising efforts are not as successful as anticipated, there is always the chance the project may not proceed,” stated Troop.
District officials noted that donations are a great way for community members to show support. All funds will directly benefit this project. To make a donation for this project, visit easdpa.org.
In other district news, several students and staff were recognized for taking an active part in the recent legislative breakfast held by the school board to foster a dialogue of issues of interest and concern to the district.
Several recognized were students who performed special music for the event. They included: Ethan Fasnacht, Jonathan Lausch, Hannah Rodriguez, Erin Sweigart, Eddieo Bondarenko and Cristin Chon. A number of German students, including their teacher, Mrs. Sally Wise, were also recognized. Students who received commendations included Erica Helms, Lauren Moyer and Erin Sweigart
For additional information on EASD, including dates, time and location for all public meetings, visit easdpa.org.
Gary P. Klinger welcomes your feedback via email at klingerglobal@gmail.com or on twitter at twitter.com/gpklinger.